P.K. Yonge Develops New Wave of Talent with Cheer Buddies
P.K. Yonge is preparing its next wave of cheerleaders with Cheer Buddies.
Becoming an official program at the school 21 years ago, the mentorship system partners P.K. Yonge elementary school students with the high school cheerleaders.
Kindergarten to fifth-grade students are given the opportunity to cheer under the Friday Night Lights. But they can’t stay up too late, so they’ll only participate for the first quarter.
The budding system originally began as a fundraising opportunity for the high school team. Elementary school students would pay to participate in the program and the proceeds would help pay for the high school gear.
Cheerleading is notorious for its costs. In some high school programs, students pay more than $1,000 to join the squad. So, the added funds from Cheer Buddies alleviates the financial burden on families.
The program has become more than just a fundraiser, though. P.K. Yonge’s cheer coach Justin Doby has been trying to fast-track its development in his three years with the Blue Wave.
“My ultimate goal was to build a bridge between elementary to high school, because they didn’t have that before,” Doby said.
His tactic: spirit gear. Before Doby came to P.K., only uniforms were required for the younger students. To give them a better taste of the cheer life, he has made purchasing bows, pom-poms, socks or T-shirts part of the program.
“I make sure they feel like they’re emulating the older kids,” Doby said.
The program gives elementary students an opportunity to find out if the cheer shoe is a true fit. Practices, chants and routines allow them to build their skill and confidence. However, relationships are what help them truly find if cheer is their home.
“I really love being able to connect with the cheer buddies,” said Victoria Collier, a captain of Blue Wave cheer squad. “Being able to create relationships with them is really fun.”
Collier took advantage of the program when she was in elementary school. She is one of six former buddies who are on the high school squad.
Her fellow mentors and captains also find the bonding to be rewarding.
“The most important thing that I like personally is the fact that we get to experience and watch them become cheerleaders,” senior captain Malachi Jenkins said. “On the sidelines, even in practice or when they’re walking with us in the parade, it’s so cute just seeing them wave their poms and act like they’re one of us.”
The hour-long practices before home games and first-quarter cheers trump in comparison to one big event for the aspiring cheerleaders: the homecoming parade.
P.K. Yonge hosted its own parade on campus, allowing clubs and sports to show off.
“It’s the first time they’re in front of the whole school being the official cheerleader of the elementary,” Doby said.
P.K. Yonge’s parade is not the only homecoming celebration the students get to cheer in. The Blue Wave will roll into some more chants at the University of Florida’s homecoming parade Friday.
Category: High School Sports, PK Yonge High School
